Absolute Kisses

A simple gesture that can express love and reverence- or insult and betrayal. A kiss, is never just a kiss!

I am Nicola part of the Hygiene and preventive team who work at Absolute Dental. I am here to ensure that there is more kissing in the world and to make sure your mouths are happy and healthy and ready to pucker up.

When you kiss you could be receiving bacteria from your partner!? How I hear you ask?

Your mouth is a busy place. The human mouth is awash with bacteria. There are more than one hundred species of bacteria and hundreds of species of fungi and viruses resident in our mouths. In addition microbiologists estimate that there up to 500 other living, breathing organisms inhabiting our mouths still to be identified and named.

Harmful bacteria are contained in a colourless sticky film called plaque, the cause of gum disease. If not removed, plaque builds up on teeth and ultimately irritates the gums and causes bleeding. Over time the plaque becomes calculus. Left unchecked, bone and connective tissue are destroyed (this is called gum disease) and teeth often become loose and may have to be removed.

The good news is that in most people the gum disease is preventable. So if you want to keep your teeth, you must take care of your gums. I am here to assist you to do this. Attention to everyday oral hygiene (brushing and flossing), coupled with professional hygiene visits twice a year, could be all that's needed to prevent gum disease and actually reverse the early stages, helping you keep your teeth for a lifetime.

As it is National Smile Month 2009 this month and there is scientific evidence that there are links between oral health, heart disease, strokes, diabetes and premature and low birth weight babies, what better time to come and see us for an appointment.

We look forward to seeing you, Keep Kissing!

National Smile Month 17th May- 16th June 2009

Size really does matter …. and how often you use it!!!!
Toothbrushes, that is!!
I personally find it an ever increasing struggle to pick up the correct size of toothbrush with a weekly shop from the supermarket, leading to many people using a brush which is far too big!

The perception that the bigger the brush, the better it cleans, is commonplace. Trying to get a large brush into the small confines of the mouth makes the effectiveness of removing the plaque and debris that collects around the teeth difficult.

We pride ourselves on our preventive care assistance to our patients, we endeavour to give all our patients the knowledge and understanding of gum disease and how to prevent it
We, at Absolute Dental, to celebrate Smile Month are holding a toothbrush Amnesty, encouraging our patients to bring in their existing manual toothbrush in exchange for a complimentary, new appropriate sized brush. The offer is open to the first 100 patients.
A medium textured brush with a maximum head size of around 2cm is ideal for adults and children.
Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste using an appropriate size brush, interdental cleaning, regular visits to a hygienist and dentist all play an important part in maintaining good oral health. Love your Heart, love your Toothbrush…..

Denise

I thought I would write a quick blog to let you all know how I got on at the Race For Life this weekend.
Before the event, despite a bucket-load of training, I was still apprehensive and wondering if body & mind would be strong enough! But, I am pleased to report that I ran the 5k course in 29 minutes and 30 seconds – a time I was very pleased with.
My training partner (husband Nick) and Badger (trusty Jack Russell terrier) came along to support me and were overwhelmed by the atmosphere on the day. I, myself, am still moved by the sight of 1800 women (and their various support groups!), mainly dressed in pink, wearing signs on their backs offering a very public display of their reasons for running/jogging/walking the Race For Life. I would strongly advise anyone who has not experienced this, or an event like this, do it at least once. It really is a very humbling experience. But I assure you, once you’ve tried it, you’ll be back for more!! This has been my experience, and now is also Nick’s experience too! We arrived home on Sunday afternoon and immediately both signed up to the Cancer Research Run 10k at Powderham Castle on September 6th 2009. We’ll both continue to train and with lots of support we’ll make it to race day and cross the finish line together. He’s a real inspiration to me and I look forward to sharing this experience with him. Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed at Powderham Castle, so Badger will have to sit this one out! If you would like to support us, our online sponsor form can be found at www.run10ksponsorme.org/diandnick

Challenges have come in all shapes and sizes this week! In addition to the Race for Life and signing up for the 10k, Emma & I have been asked to speak to the Plymouth area group of DCP’s in June in our capacity as trainers at Absolute Dental Training. This opportunity has arisen due to a recognition of little or no training facilities in our area for professionals complimentary to dentistry. We offer training courses that not only produce technically brilliant PCD, but with an emphasis on the importance of creating the right first impression in your role & identifying & developing hidden skills in key areas. With this in mind, our aim for the session in Plymouth is to increase awareness of the importance of creating a great first impression for ALL dental care professionals. More information about our other training courses at Absolute Dental Training can be found at http://www.absolute-dental.co.uk/absolute_training_home.htm

Di

Leaders and Teams

I have spent a large part of the last week working along side the 'leaders' of a dental practice who are putting every effort into creating a 'team'. The leaders of this particular team are not only one of the nicest couples you could ever meet, but also so committed to their team, their goals and each other that my admiration for them is immense. After two very long, very full days I felt privileged to have shared this part of their journey.

It is said that all teams are groups but sadly all groups are not teams.When this is identified and realised progress towards rectification can be made.

A true team is focused on a common purpose-team members support one another and enhance each others work. The team need to share a common vision in order to reach its desired results. Every challenge the team face is an opportunity for personal, professional and practice growth
Practices with a motivated, focused and empowered team produce excellent results where patient satisfaction is high with increased financial rewards

Our leadership must be clear , with strategic vision and established team goals. We should define the vision and share it with the team. Effective leadership is supported by effective systems

Define the practices shared vision.
Shared values build an effective team, and establish a culture, rules and policies. A successful relationship can only survive if values are shared, believed and agreed. Such values are honesty respect, integrity, commitment to each other and commitment to the practice success. The key is that the whole team agrees to these values and is prepared to work to them

Communicate effectively
The most successful relationships are ones where honest and open feedback are encouraged. Positive attitudes and creativity should be encouraged within any team
Honest debate and discussion should be seen as the way forward with negative attitudes and gossip banned from the work place

A successful Team
Will have clear, updated job descriptions which define their role. This successful team will have high consistent standards, and will always be looking forward, focused and embracing the new opportunities that lie ahead.

Emma